Undress for Success

What firms must do to get buff in an increasingly transparent business climate:

Abide by basic values in all operations. Tell the truth, abide by commitments, consider the interests of stakeholders, be candid about shortcomings and challenges. Make sure that business integrity drives every aspect of company operations.

Deliver the right value to each group of stakeholders. Build and deliver the best products, prices and relationships with customers.

Understand the promise and peril of transparency and manage it continuously. Don't just try to spin and execute public relations strategies when a problem occurs. Develop a proactive approach to communicating the ongoing values of the company in the face of its challenges.